Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Volunteering during COVID-19 FAQs

Our volunteers are critical to our work and we have missed seeing them during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the continued need for social distancing, the soup kitchen is accepting a limited number of on-site volunteers. We know that not everyone is able to volunteer currently. If you are healthy, able, and interested in volunteering, please review the below FAQs before signing up for a shift.

There are two options for volunteering: Soup Kitchen & Pantry.

Soup Kitchen: Volunteers fill 600-700 lunch bags that include a salad, a hot meal, a piece of fruit, juice, and a snack. Some volunteers help distribute the combined bags to our lunch guests from the outside courtyard. Also during the “Soup Kitchen” shift, Volunteers help to pack 3 full bags of Pantry, that include non-perishables, produce, and frozen protein items. These bags are distributed during the Pantry shift later.

Pantry: Volunteers place bags in the carts of our Pantry clients, in order for them to be carted home. Some volunteers will also work at the registration table, greeting and registering our guests.

Who can volunteer right now?
We are asking that volunteers at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and those that live with people who are at a higher risk, stay at home during this time.

What is happening at the Soup Kitchen during COVID-19?
Due to the risk of COVID-19, we have transitioned our daily meal service to a “grab-and-go” hot meal distribution. We have also expanded our pantry program to meet the increased need in our community.

What are the requirements for volunteers during this time?
To maintain the safety of our volunteers, guests, and staff, we are requiring that volunteers agree to the following:

• Are fully vaccinated against COVID-19
• Wear a surgical or reusable mask to reduce the risk of exposure. Masks must cover both the mouth and the nose.
• Wash or sanitize hands thoroughly after using the restroom, sneezing, coughing, eating, and any other relevant times
• Practice social distancing as best as possible
• Wear and utilize sanitary gloves when appropriate

We are also asking all volunteers to attest that they are not/have not:

• Experiencing symptoms of illness (i.e. fever, cough, shortness of breath)
• Been exposed to anyone with a confirmed or expected case of COVID-19
• Been diagnosed with COVID-19 and not been cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities

Will the Soup Kitchen provide me with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or do I need to bring my own?
The soup kitchen has ample amounts of masks and latex gloves, which can be provided at the beginning of a volunteer’s shift. However, we do ask that staff and volunteers commit to wearing their masks on public transportation to and from their volunteer shift and at all other times when social distancing is not possible.